What are some of the challenges related to water management in the Middle East, and how do you approach them?
In the Middle East, water and energy resources are inextricably linked. It is crucial to minimise the amount of energy needed to provide water for various uses and, conversely, the amount of water needed to produce different kinds of energy. Lack of technology, poor management or inefficiencies in one area can affect the sustainability of the other.
We partner with some of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent and influential organisations in the water market, such as the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), and Dow’s R&D facility in the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) to help the region to meet its energy and water demands through sustainable technology.
Dow was recently awarded the US Water Prize by the American Water Alliance. Why do you think you won this accolade?
The prize is awarded annually, and this year, Dow is being recognised for its leadership in developing new water management strategies, offering innovative products and technologies, and entering into effective collaboration models that make these solutions more attainable. Dow’s win was based on its success in changing the conversation about water, brought to life in a variety of successful water-management initiatives across America that was implemented with diverse organisations and partners.
Can you tell us more about your activities in the area of water management and waste water treatment?
As the demand for water grows worldwide, so does the need for water treatment and reuse solutions. The Tequatic Plus filter is a technology designed to treat non-potable, high-solids wastewater in variable conditions without constant plugging, even in the presence of fats, oils, greases and fibers. Often used as a pre-filter to ultrafiltration systems, its reliable performance is helping facilities adhere to local regulations for reuse and discharge, reducing surcharges. It further helps reduce cost of ownership through higher uptime and water recovery, lower maintenance and consumables, and downstream asset protection. Dow Water & Process Solutions also offers a broad spectrum of proven technologies that facilitate waste and process stream treatment for industry, including polymeric adsorbents, selective ion exchange resins, fouling-resistant reverse osmosis elements and ultrafiltration products.
Would you say refining and petrochemical firms have sufficient awareness of sustainable industrial water use?
In the Middle East region, many businesses are starting to recognise the intrinsic value of water beyond its monetary price. The dimensions in valuing water are tied directly to business resilience, continuity, social license to operate and contribution to brand value. Concerns about water costs are having an increasing effect on operations and financial performance.
Compounding the water consumption problem is the continued growth of industry in the Middle East. Future water sustainability is the core component of our work at Dow Water & Process Solutions. There is a growing need for advanced technologies and solutions that allow the production of high quality freshwater more efficiently. Our scientists have focused their research on energy efficiency and found that through configurational energy and element design, significant energy savings could be realised. As a result, our solutions can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, reflecting Dow’s commitment to solving water scarcity and bringing down the cost of water in the Middle East and across the globe.
What is the importance of managing industrial water responsibly; and does Dow have any initiatives in place to help promote more sustainable water use?
Dow Water & Process Solutions promotes a circular economy, where raw materials are extracted and made into products that are designed and manufactured for reuse and remanufacturing or recycling. This encourages a more sustainable model for resource consumption and manufacturing. Business value is at risk if companies do not take capital considerations surrounding water use into account, and adjust their operations accordingly. Efficient water management is critical to ensure industry and corporate sustainability, especially for those with high water consumption, like the chemical industry.
